Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has revealed his top picks for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, tipping three Barcelona stars as leading contenders for the coveted prize.
Currently on loan at the Camp Nou, Rashford pointed to teammates Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and French winger Ousmane Dembélé as players who have shown the quality and consistency needed to claim football’s most prestigious individual honor.
“Dembélé and Raphinha have been outstanding, and they both deserve recognition,” Rashford said. “It’s tough to choose one, but they’ve all had incredible seasons. And Lamine—he’s so young, yet already playing like one of the best in the world. His future is inevitable.”
The England international’s words echo what many fans and pundits have been saying. At just 17, Yamal has been dazzling in La Liga, producing performances that defy his age. Raphinha, on the other hand, has been a steady force, delivering big moments in both league and European matches. Dembélé has also hit peak form again, making himself one of Barcelona’s most decisive threats in the final third.
All three were recently included in the 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, a clear nod to their impact and Barcelona’s revival this season.
With rivals from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City also eyeing the honor, competition will be fierce. Still, Rashford believes the brilliance of his Barcelona teammates puts them right in the heart of the race.
